2020-21 Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion

[Velikilawyer123]

No - there would be no sense in leaving out your VS. You don’t have to explain why you applied to other firms. You just have to explain why you are NOW applying to them, keeping in mind the firms you have previously applied to are more prestigious

Got it, thank you.

 

[HorsesForCoursesNeighNeighNeigh]

I realised how boring and hyper-focused on job hunting my life has become recently when I discovered that Chambers and the Legal 500 were the no.2 and 3 most visited websites on my browsing history over the past year behind the FT. Might have to start putting down reading (and rereading when I forget) the law firm rankings as a hobby in the extracurriculars section of my next app at this rate!

Sad reaccs only pls

Hahaha I feel this so much, my ads are now so tragic 🥲 Youtube is all M&A spreadsheet tech with these fake happy finance guys who look like they work 20 hours a week. Also I think all my late night Deliveroo combined with law searches are behind the non-stop ads I'm getting for divorce lawyers too!!! Thanks google but I'd have to get married first 🤣

 

[Jessica Booker]

I have an answer that is 265 words long, but the maximum is 300 words. Would graduate recruitment view this unfavourably? I just don't know how else I can change it to get more words in as I am quite happy with it.

They are unlikely to notice the difference if the content is good.

 

[Lily721]

They are unlikely to notice the difference if the content is good.

Thank you!

 

[Matt_96]

Hahaha I feel this so much, my ads are now so tragic 🥲 Youtube is all M&A spreadsheet tech with these fake happy finance guys who look like they work 20 hours a week. Also I think all my late night Deliveroo combined with law searches are behind the non-stop ads I'm getting for divorce lawyers too!!! Thanks google but I'd have to get married first 🤣

You're getting targeted ads for law and business at least! I don't know what button I've been mistakenly clicking recently but I'm constantly get conspiracy theories about how the Mars rover landing was fake or novelty articles telling me the 'top 10 things that intelligent people are reading right now'. I think facebook and google think I might be dumb.

 

[Jacob Miller]

I have an answer that is 265 words long, but the maximum is 300 words. Would graduate recruitment view this unfavourably? I just don't know how else I can change it to get more words in as I am quite happy with it.

For a 300 word answer I would personally try and have a minimum of 290 written. That said, if you genuinely feel like there's nothing else you can add and that you're 100% happy with the answer, don't force it - if you have everything you want to say written down, then adding extra material could actually detract from other areas if it's shoehorned in.

 

[Daniel Boden]

I have an answer that is 265 words long, but the maximum is 300 words. Would graduate recruitment view this unfavourably? I just don't know how else I can change it to get more words in as I am quite happy with it.

I always tried to be within 10% of the word count as a rule so you wouldn't be far off that! I reckon it's fine tbh as long as you're happy with it and there isn't another couple of sentences you think you can add

 

[Lily721]

For a 300 word answer I would personally try and have a minimum of 290 written. That said, if you genuinely feel like there's nothing else you can add and that you're 100% happy with the answer, don't force it - if you have everything you want to say written down, then adding extra material could actually detract from other areas if it's shoehorned in.

I always tried to be within 10% of the word count as a rule so you wouldn't be far off that! I reckon it's fine tbh as long as you're happy with it and there isn't another couple of sentences you think you can add

Thank you both.

I ended up adding a couple of more sentences, because while I was pleased with my answer, it really bugged me leaving it 35 words short. And then I had to spend an hour trying to figure out how to cut it down to 300 😂

 

[cmaj]

That does suck! I think all three of my offers have confirmed that they're running our scheme online now.

omg really?! that's crazy, I'm doing two that plan to be in person and then the one I have turned down will definitely be online! I'm so hoping they go ahead in person because I've had to negotiate getting the time off of work by handing in my resignation letter lol...

 

[mls1803]

Ah that's brilliant news! Delighted for you and hope you're able to celebrate properly

Thankyou so much!

 

[Jaysen]

Completely unashamedly mine is TCLA ❤️

The fact that you stuck around even after securing a training contract is much appreciated. I know many here benefit from your thoughts/advice!

 

[LEL]

How useful/helpful are virtual internships? Do recruiters value them?

I think it's more valuable to them if you do their own virtual internship - it shows you want to learn about not only commercial law, but the work that specific firm does. In my W&C interview, I mentioned I did their virtual internship and they seemed intrigued and asked me what I enjoyed most, so it depends on the firm!

 

[iomcopp]

Hope finishing a strength-based interview AC in 15 mins and spending the remaining 45 minutes recommending/discussing podcasts is a good sign - for anyone wondering this was Kennedys TC interview

That's calmed my nerves a bit! Were there any commercial Qs?

 

[aspiringlawyer22]

What are your thoughts on including insight schemes in the ‘experience’ section of your LinkedIn profile? Is there a better place for them maybe?

 

[Andrew M]

How useful/helpful are virtual internships? Do recruiters value them?

I did the Pinsent Masons one over the summer. I found it quite useful and interesting in terms of the actual tasks. I discussed it briefly on my application and in my interview. I got the vac scheme, so it definitely doesn't hurt! 😅

 

[Haz]

What are your thoughts on including insight schemes in the ‘experience’ section of your LinkedIn profile? Is there a better place for them maybe?

I put them in 'Licences & Certifications' as you can place the link you get from the certificate you receive!

 

[CL218]

Farrers PFO after the Open Day

 

[S87]

Morning guys,

what's your take on getting in touch with people on Linkedin asking about their TC?

 

[LawGrad2019]

Farrers PFO after the Open Day

Same here!!

Hope you're feeling okay. I was really, really impressed by everyone on my Open Day so knew that competition would be tough

 

[FM302989]

Morning guys,

what's your take on getting in touch with people on Linkedin asking about their TC?

I would go for it. I've got in touch with trainees who have been more than helpful because they too have gone for this horrendous process before. Some of them have even become my friends

What I would say is make sure you have specific questions to ask and stuff you genuinely want to know rather that just a vague "help me" message